56 killed by paramilitary forces in Sudan's western city in two days: Volunteer groups

IANS April 14, 2025 220 views

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has reached a horrific new level of brutality with paramilitary forces massacring 56 civilians in Umm Kadada. Volunteer groups report systematic ethnic executions, targeting displacement camps and even medical facilities. The Rapid Support Forces have been accused of widespread human rights violations, including killing hospital staff and burning residential homes. This latest incident underscores the devastating humanitarian crisis that has already claimed nearly 30,000 lives since the conflict began in April 2023.

"The RSF killed 52 civilians, burned residential homes, and looted properties" - Sudanese Emergency Lawyers Initiative
Khartoum, April 14: At least 56 people were killed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) between in Umm Kadada city in North Darfur State, western Sudan, volunteer groups reported.

Key Points

1

RSF militia executed civilians on ethnic basis in North Darfur

2

Attacks targeted displacement camps with high civilian casualties

3

Hospital staff and relief workers among those killed

4

Conflict has claimed over 29,600 lives since April 2023

These people were "executed on an ethnic basis" after the RSF took control of the city on Thursday, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in the state's capital El Fasher said, identifying all the victims as civilians.

The local volunteer group accused in a statement the militia of "committing widespread violations, forcibly displacing residents, and shutting down all communication networks."

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Emergency Lawyers Initiative, another volunteer group, confirmed in a statement that the RSF killed 52 civilians, burned residential homes, and looted properties in two days after entering Umm Kadada.

"The RSF also stormed the local hospital, assaulted patients, and executed four medical staff members, including the hospital's director," it added.

There has been no comment from the RSF regarding the claims, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday more than 114 civilians were killed in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on two displacement camps over the past two days in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in western Sudan, a local official announced.

"More than 100 civilians were killed as a result of the brutal attack launched by the RSF militia on the Zamzam displacement camp yesterday (Friday), with dozens injured," Ibrahim Khatir, director general of North Darfur State's health authority, told Xinhua.

" On Saturday, 14 civilians were also killed due to another militia attack on the Abu Shouk displacement camp, with dozens more injured," he added.

Khatir revealed that among the dead in the Zamzam camp were nine employees of Relief International, a non-governmental organisation operating a field hospital in the camp.

Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed more than 29,600 lives, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a crisis monitoring group cited by the United Nations.

Reader Comments

A
Amira K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 When will the international community step in to stop these atrocities? The targeting of civilians and medical staff is beyond unacceptable.
T
Tariq M.
While the situation is tragic, I wish the article provided more context about the ongoing conflict. Understanding the root causes might help readers grasp why these attacks keep happening.
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Sarah L.
Attacking hospitals and medical staff is a war crime. The world can't keep turning a blind eye to what's happening in Sudan. Where is the UN Security Council on this??
J
Jamal B.
My cousin works with Doctors Without Borders in the region. The stories he shares are horrific. These numbers probably don't even reflect the true scale of the tragedy.
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Nadia W.
I appreciate that the article includes statements from multiple local organizations - it helps verify the information. But I wish there was more coverage of this in mainstream media.
K
Khalid R.
The targeting of humanitarian workers is particularly disturbing. These are people trying to help the most vulnerable. When will this madness end?

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Tags:
Sudan Conflict Rapid Support Forces Darfur Massacre Human Rights Violations Ethnic Violence
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